Fordham Football 2013 | Defining the Moment

Spring practice reminds fans of team's 2013 success

When they took the field for spring practice in April 2013, few could have imagined the Fordham Rams would have one of the best seasons in school history. Fast forward one year, no one will overlook the Rams' prolific offense, its aggressive defense, or its renowned special teams. With the 2014 spring game now in the books, the Fordham faithful can look forward to a 2014 season in which the Rams will seek to recreate some of the magic made over the past 12 months.

Ineligible for the Patriot League championship and needing a nearly perfect season to attain an FCS playoff bid, the 2013 Fordham Rams had their work cut out for them from the start. A ten game season opening winning streak, including last second victories against Temple and Bucknell and key victories over Villanova and Lehigh, would set the table for fall to remember, though. While Fordham's season would end in the FCS playoffs Round of 16, their loss to eventual national runner up Towson gave Fordham fans even more to look forward to in years to come.

Statisically the numbers were equally as impressive as the campaign's 12-2 record was. Michael Nebrich passed for over 4,300 yards, utilizing a trio of 1,000 yard receivers - Sam Ajala, Tebucky Jones Jr., and Brian Wetzel. Lost in the shuffle at times was 1,462 yard rusher Carlton Koonce and an offensive line which received postseason recognition powering a Fordham rushing attack that included extensive contributions from Nebrich. Fordham's defense helped the offense immeasurably through an FCS-leading 40 takeaways. Stephen Hodge took home Patriot League Player of the Year honors, just two years after joining the team as a wide receiver. Major contributions from incumbant starters and newcomers alike allowed David Blackwell's defense to snuff out much of the competition.

Between offense, defense, and special teams - Fordham produced 19 All-Patriot League selections and numerous All-American recognitions. Joe Moorhead and his troops earned impressive personal and team accolades after the season, although none were more important than the team's overwhelming success that took FCS by storm.

It's with great pride that WFUV Sports covered this magical run, and we are equally proud to present Fordham Football 2013 | Defining the Moment. The work of executive producer Bob Ahrens, producer Anthony Pucik, editor Matt Crowe, and writer Mike Watts, the feature seeks to encapsulate some of the highlight moments and recreate some of the emotion that keyed a nearly perfect season.